Beiersdorf is committed to protecting human rights. We do not tolerate any
form of forced or compulsory labor in direct or indirect association with our
activities. For our suppliers, we have developed a Supplier Code of Conduct
which sets out harmonized and binding criteria for responsible action. This is
designed to ensure that our suppliers meet the same standards in the area of
sustainability that are binding for us. The Code covers issues such as
corruption and human rights as well as environmental protection. We have
developed an appropriate system with which we can monitor our suppliers'
compliance with the Code of Conduct and regulate how we deal with deviations.
Our suppliers are required to accept Beiersdorf’s Supplier Code of Conduct
and must agree to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the supply
of the service or material. Beiersdorf continues to develop its auditing
process to ensure the principles of the Supplier Code of Conduct are upheld. As
part of this development process Beiersdorf works with third party auditors.
Our audit procedure follows the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) methodology.
More information about SMETA can be found at Sedex Global Website.
Beiersdorf also participates in data exchanges, such as Sedex that assist
its members in sharing ethical information such as audit reports, and
information on business practices so that members can better assess the risk
and quality of a potential or current supplier. We also identify suppliers in
high risk countries according to the risk country rating provided by BSCI (BSCI Website). Risk country ratings are determined by the Human Development
Index of the United Nations and the Corruption Perceptions Index of
Transparency International, in addition to the field experience of sourcing
companies.
Our Supply Chain Management is trained on Beiersdorf’s Supplier Code of
Conduct. Moreover, all employees are also required to comply with Beiersdorf
Employee Code of Conduct and all employees participate in training on the
company’s Employee Code of Conduct, which includes training on proper workplace
conduct, ethical decision making, and upholding laws and regulations. Any
violation of the code may result in consequences ranging from disciplinary
action to termination.
Beiersdorf recognizes and supports the efforts of the California
Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010. The purpose of The California
Transparency in Supply Chains Act is to provide customers and businesses with
information on what efforts a company undertakes to prevent human trafficking
and slavery within their supply chain. Beiersdorf’s Supplier Code of Conduct
stresses that the service of an employee must be given willingly. Beiersdorf
does not tolerate any form of child labor, forced labor, or human trafficking.
Use of physical punishment, mental or physical duress, or verbal abuse is
prohibited. Any report of a human rights violation will be promptly
investigated.